Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
I have recently completed nine months in London. Although my stay hasn’t been lengthy, the experience has been enriching. London is a vibrant metropolis, providing a vast array of living arrangements and multicultural neighborhoods. Students have numerous alternatives available to them. Student residences and private rentals feature amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared and individual rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Domestic students can conveniently arrange viewings, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore their prospective accommodations online, including facilities and accessibility to public transport.
In my quest for housing, I aimed to rent a room in Central London to stay near key landmarks, social spots, and Imperial’s campus. The city is segmented into six concentric districts, with the first two being the most centrally located. London boasts an outstanding transport infrastructure, comprising the underground (tube), buses, and trains, facilitating straightforward navigation and travel between districts. I aimed to minimize travel expenses as inter-zone journeys can reach up to £5.25 per day. I opted to walk shorter distances rather than use a bus or tube. Nevertheless, Oyster card options have reduced university travel costs. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services connect areas beyond the Underground network, reaching zones outside of central London. Pricing for inter-zone travel on these services varies according to distance and each train company’s fare structure. Central London is home to major attractions, resulting in elevated living expenses. Thankfully, I attended university alongside a friend, and we agreed to share a room, significantly cutting down our rent costs. I favored intercollegiate student housing to connect with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a combination that is often more difficult to find in private rentals.
Being near grocery stores was vital for me. The most common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op; more affordable options are Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Having essential stores nearby, such as supermarkets and pharmacies, saves valuable time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Deciding on a neighborhood can be difficult. The diverse ethnic communities in London are key to its cultural landscape, fostering a multitude of neighborhoods. Numerous international students seek a sense of familiarity with their home culture in London. Southall in West London is home to a significant South Asian community, featuring Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music atmosphere. Chinatown located in the heart of the West End is filled with countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural activities. These are merely a few illustrations of community-rich neighborhoods.
The ideal locations to reside in London are contingent on your preferences and requirements. To discover a new residence in London, embrace the variety and depth of its housing options, delve into cultural enclaves, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.